The Collage Podcast - Episode 50: Lorenda
Host: Feed My Sheep
Guest: Lorenda
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Location: Temple, Texas
Introduction
In the milestone 50th episode of The Collage Podcast, hosted by Feed My Sheep in Temple, Texas, the spotlight shines brightly on Lorenda, a remarkable individual whose life journey embodies resilience, faith, and the transformative power of nature. The host celebrates Lorenda’s dedication to nurturing the vibrant flowers at Feed My Sheep, highlighting how her green thumb brings beauty and hope to the community.
Host (00:00): “Lorinda knows this, and I brag on her… what Lorinda did with the flowers and what beautiful growth and life is occurring up here makes me smile every day.”
Early Life and Childhood
Lorenda hails from Mesquite, Texas, where she was born and raised. Her upbringing was characterized by a structured environment, thanks to her father’s strict discipline. Growing up as part of a second set of children, Lorenda recounts her childhood memories filled with family gatherings and cherished traditions.
Lorenda (02:17): “I grew up in a little, you know, three bedroom brick home. My dad made sure that we grew up… he wanted to keep me in this little bubble and Mesquite Texas, so I would know no bad and no wrongs.”
She fondly remembers family gatherings during Christmas, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and the joy it brought her.
Lorenda (11:58): “Every Christmas we had the big Christmas tree… when the family comes together is when I have the best, the happiest moments.”
Rebellion and Struggles with Addiction
Despite her structured upbringing, Lorenda’s rebellious spirit led her down a tumultuous path during her teenage years. At the age of 13, she faced significant challenges, including substance abuse and an unexpected pregnancy that resulted in an abortion — a decision heavily influenced by her father.
Lorenda (04:22): “I was 13. I ran away from home… my dad said the only way you can come back home is if you have an abortion. I ended up having an abortion.”
Her battle with alcoholism and drug use intensified, prompting her to seek counseling and enter drug rehabilitation. Lorenda candidly shares her struggles, highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction and the profound impact it had on her life.
Lorenda (06:00): “I was drinking and drugging… I ended up losing it… trying to get sober for somebody outside myself.”
Turning Point: Embracing Gardening
Lorenda’s life took a transformative turn when she discovered solace in gardening. Observing neglected flowers on Avenue G, she felt compelled to nurture them, finding peace and purpose in the act of caring for plants. This newfound passion became a lifeline, helping her navigate the chaos of her past and present.
Lorenda (08:52): “I just love growing flowers… seeing all the flowers going to die out there… I just started watering them.”
The host acknowledges Lorenda’s unique ability to find beauty amidst adversity, praising her for choosing to cultivate life despite external challenges.
Host (20:31): “You found a beautiful thing that you could create and to focus on something that was decently positive.”
Recovery and Finding Stability
Lorenda’s dedication to gardening paralleled her journey toward recovery. Through various programs and support systems, including a significant art show where she received personal support and a new living space, Lorenda began to rebuild her life. The community’s prayers and assistance played a crucial role in her path to stability.
Lorenda (28:28): “They had a place for me to live and on housing and everything. It was awesome… being able to get my own place and can afford it.”
Her current residence symbolizes a fresh start, filled with hope and the promise of continued growth both personally and within her garden.
Lorenda (30:15): “I love it. It's like a new brick home to me… I love it.”
Faith and Resilience
Central to Lorenda’s story is her unwavering faith. She speaks passionately about her belief in God’s presence and providence, which has been a cornerstone in her resilience against life’s challenges. Her recovery from a severe car accident, where she was in a coma for three months, serves as a testament to her deep-seated faith and the miraculous nature of her survival.
Lorenda (30:52): “Whether for him I wouldn't have nothing. It’s all for him. He’s been like that all my life.”
Lorenda reflects on how her faith not only saved her physically but also provided the emotional and spiritual strength needed to overcome her struggles.
Family and Personal Life
Lorenda is a devoted mother to two children. Her 31-year-old son resides in Dallas, while her 16-year-old daughter lives in Seattleville. Balancing motherhood with her personal recovery, Lorenda acknowledges the complexities and challenges of her relationships, particularly highlighting past abusive relationships that have further impacted her self-esteem.
Lorenda (35:35): “My kids are… my boy is 31… my little girl is 16.”
Despite her past, Lorenda has worked diligently to create a nurturing environment for her children, drawing strength from her newfound stability and faith.
Legacy and Community Impact
Lorenda’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also of community impact. Her dedication to the garden at Feed My Sheep transforms a neglected space into a sanctuary of beauty and hope. Her actions inspire others in the community to find their own paths to healing and growth.
Host (41:16): “When I see you in your element out there with your working on the plants… it just makes me smile because I understand… how much work and care you put into that.”
Lorenda embodies the essence of The Collage Podcast by sharing a profound narrative that showcases shared humanity, resilience, and the power of community support.
Conclusion
Episode 50 of The Collage Podcast offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Lorenda’s life — a journey marked by hardship, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her story is a beacon of hope, illustrating how dedication to something beautiful can serve as a catalyst for personal transformation and community upliftment.
Lorenda’s presence at Feed My Sheep not only beautifies the physical space but also enriches the lives of those around her, affirming the podcast’s mission to highlight the stories and experiences that bind the community together.
Host (44:35): “Lorenda was beautiful… God is doing incredible things. It is growing… what Lorenda is going to turn out to be… we're still growing.”
Notable Quotes:
- Host (00:00): Celebrating Episode 50 and introducing Lorenda’s role.
- Lorenda (02:17): Describing her structured upbringing.
- Lorenda (04:22): Sharing her experience with early pregnancy and abortion.
- Lorenda (08:52): Explaining how she began caring for the neglected flowers.
- Host (20:31): Praising Lorenda’s choice to focus on gardening.
- Lorenda (28:28): Reflecting on gaining her own home through community support.
- Lorenda (30:52): Emphasizing her faith as a source of strength.
- Lorenda (35:35): Introducing her children and family life.
- Host (41:16): Acknowledging the beauty Lorenda brings to the garden.
- Host (44:35): Concluding remarks on Lorenda’s ongoing growth and community impact.
Final Thoughts:
Lorenda’s episode serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of community and nature. Her story resonates deeply, offering inspiration and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is potential for growth, beauty, and renewal.